College Swimming and DivingMen: La Salle University 161; Rider University 138Men: University of Delaware 170; Rider University 128Women: La Salle University 214; Rider University 85Women: University of Delaware 237; Rider University 60

PHILADELPHIA, Pa-The Rider University men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams competed against La Salle University and the University of Delaware at Kirk Pool in Philadelphia on Saturday.

The Rider men fell to La Salle (161-138) and Delaware (170-128) and the Rider women also suffered defeats to the Explorers (214-85) and Blue Hens (237-60).

“It was a challenging day for both teams,” Rider coach Steve Fletcher said. “It was a test of our athletic ability-having to race when you are tired. Our training has taken a turn over the past ten days and we have a lot of freshmen, who are experiencing for the first time training hard and competing at a high level, which is what they are learning to manage now.”

For the Rider men, freshman Matthan-Matthew Martir (Savern, Md./Old Mill) finished first in both the 50 free (21.51) and 100 free (47.11) and finished second in the 100 fly (51.66). On the diving board, senior Trevor Hiller (Galloway Twp./Absegami) won the three-meter (264.75) and took second in the one-meter (282.75) and sophomore Wayco Bailey (Casper, Wyo./Natrona County HS) won the one-meter (283.70) and took third in the three-meter (256.60).

“Our sprint freestylers are performing well, with and mostly all freshmen swimming so we’re pleased with that,” Fletcher said.

“With so many upperclassmen gone, a lot of our swimmers are going through this experience for the first time,” Fletcher said. “Despite the challenge of a young team, our athletes have a great attitude and are focused on what’s important. We’re going to return to the pool on Monday with renewed energy.”

Also for the Rider men, freshman Sam Cramer (Escondido, Calif./San Pasquale) finished second in the 1000 free (9:38.83) and the 500 free (4:46.87) as well as third in the 200 free (1:43.77). Freshmen Adam Phillips (Springville, Pa./Elk Lake) finished second in the 100 breast (59.31) and freshman Zach Mabin (Hamilton/Steinert) placed second in the 200 breast (2:10.73). Junior Shane Tubb (Swedesboro/St. Augustine Prep) finished third in both the 200 fly (1:56.96) and 100 fly (52.49) and freshman Daniel Andronov (Princeton) finished third in the 100 breast (1:00.13).

Also for the Rider women, freshman diver Heather Lonkert (Moon Twp, Pa./Moon Area) placed third in the one-meter (229.65) and fourth in the three-meter (227.90) and freshman Kelly Toner (Fort Washington, Pa./Upper Dublin) placed fourth in the one-meter dive (210.65).